Iowa City is a beautiful area with so many great locations for your photography session! Choosing the right backdrop can completely shape the tone of your session—whether you’re going for bright and playful, soft and romantic, or cozy and relaxed. Below are some of my favorite outdoor locations in and around Iowa City, IA for you to consider – these are just a few ideas to get you started, but there are many other locations in the area that could also be great for a family photography session, depending on your preferences and style so feel free to suggest whatever you have in mind!
Additionally, you may want to consider factors such as lighting, crowds, and accessibility when choosing a location. Each place offers its own unique charm, and if you can’t decide, I’m happy to help narrow it down based on what season and weather we’re in!
Nature-Based Outdoor Locations
City Park (Iowa City, IA)
This park has old oaks, open grassy fields, prairie, and a river trail with scenic river views.
Hickory Hill Park (Iowa City, IA)
Lush forest area with tall trees, several open grassy fields with a small stream, prairie grass areas, and winding trails. Perfect for a peaceful, earthy feel.
Kent Park (Oxford, IA)
Expansive prairies, old oaks, dense forests, picturesque pond, and trestle bridge. A perfect mix of rustic and classic Midwest charm.
Lake Macbride State Park (Solon, IA)
Water views, beautiful natural water spillway (waterfall), shoreline paths, lush wooded areas and large old oak trees. Great for adventurous families or romantic couples who love a lakeside vibe.
Ned Ashton House (Iowa City, IA)
This historic house is set on a beautiful property with gardens, a gazebo, a white picket fence, and nearby river that make for a charming and picturesque location.
Terry Trueblood Recreation Area (Iowa City, IA)
A lake with sandy beach area, prairie with seasonal flowers, trails, and modern limestone brick building great for senior photos and portraits. Easy access and stroller-friendly.
Two Horse Farm (Solon, IA)
Hiking trails through prairie, wooded area with mature oaks and scenic views. Excellent setting for a sunset session!
Woodpecker Trail (Iowa City, IA)
Lush wooded hiking trails alongside Coralville Lake with beautiful peekaboo lake views as you hike, scenic arch bridges across ravines, and for those willing to hike a bit to the trails further back: some of the best tree canopy for big glowy autumn color reminiscent to the picturesque aspens of Colorado.
Seasonal & Floral Locations
Calyx Creek Lavendar Farm (Oxford, IA)
Rows of lavender fields. Requires pre-purchased venue approval and additional fee with limited spots available. Doesn’t hurt to plan several months ahead if this is something you want! Available seasonally in May, June, and July.
Colony Acres (North Liberty, IA)
Large pumpkin patch, corn field with trails, and pick-your-own sunflower field. Best in summer bloom or fall pumpkin and corn maze season.
Wilson’s Orchard (Iowa City, IA)
Rows of apple trees, seasonal flower fields (tulip fields in the spring, mixed cut flowers in the summer), hilltop views, and a cozy farm feel. Best in spring bloom or fall apple-picking season.
Nature & Urban Mashup Locations
Hancher Auditorium (Iowa City, IA)
Sleek architecture and beautifully landscaped walkways make this spot perfect for a modern yet natural look–elegant and artistic backdrops. Open grassy field and river views next to the Hancher Auditorium make this a great setting for sunset sessions (this site is not recommended for midday sessions due to a lack of mature trees/shade).
Iowa River Landing (Coralville, IA)
This is a newer development in the city that offers a mix of modern urban and natural settings. The urban side of this setting has red brick buildings, sculptures, shops, and restaurants–the nature side of this setting has a scenic riverwalk, prairie, and a short walk away is a large bridge with impressive river views.
Old Capitol Building (Iowa City, IA)
So this is technically on the University of Iowa campus but I wanted to make the Old Capitol had a place of its own on this list because it’s not to be forgotten within the list of beautiful buildings with equally beautiful trees. If interested in using the spiral staircase inside, please notify Rachel as soon as possible so arrangements can be made since special permission and dates are required.
Pedestrian Mall (Iowa City, IA)
This outdoor mall in downtown Iowa City is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants and offers a lively and urban setting for a photography session.
Univeristy of Iowa Campus (Iowa City, IA)
The university’s campus offers a beautiful backdrop with its historic buildings, green spaces, river, and bridges–along with plenty of beautiful gardens and mature trees whether you choose the medical campus or the main campus (where you also have easy access to downtown Iowa City).
Studio Space
The Photo Station (Wellman, IA)
A cozy little studio filled with natural light and modern yet cozy backdrops and furniture. Contact Rachel for pricing and date availability.
Hidden Gems & Minimalist Locations
Local Gravel Roads & Open Fields
When in doubt, a sunlit gravel road or empty meadow makes for stunning, timeless portraits. Sometimes the simplest locations are the most beautiful.
Private Family Property (If You Have One!)
Backyards, barns, or family farmland make sessions feel deeply personal. If you have access to a space like this, your final images will feel all the more meaningful to you.
Not Sure Which One Fits You?
You don’t have to decide alone! If you’ve looked through these and nothing is standing out to you, send me a quick message with the vibe you’re leaning toward and be sure to let me know if anyone in your party has mobility limitations so I can take that into consideration when recommending a location:
- Urban or nature?
- More woodsy or more open?
- Tall grass or water views?
- Adventurous or easy access?
I’ll happily guide you to the perfect spot.
Wherever we go, the most important thing is this:
It’s not about the location—it’s about how you feel in it.
Can’t wait to explore with you!
-Rachel